Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a fun, bite-sized way to enjoy all the spicy, tangy flavors of classic buffalo chicken. These little sandwiches pack tender shredded chicken tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, topped with cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, and nestled on soft, fluffy slider buns. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you want a little kick in your meal.
I love making these sliders because they’re quick to put together and always a hit with everyone. The spicy buffalo sauce gives just the right amount of heat, while the creamy dressing helps balance it out perfectly. Plus, the tender chicken combined with the soft bun makes every bite super satisfying. Whenever I make these, I always double the recipe because they tend to disappear fast!
My favorite way to serve buffalo chicken sliders is with some crunchy celery sticks and carrot sticks on the side, just like at a sports bar. They’re great as finger food, and I find they bring people together, whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive gathering. If you’re looking for a fun and tasty snack or meal, these sliders are a great choice that everyone will love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken breast is great for a tender texture. You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut or even leftover grilled chicken. For a vegetarian twist, try shredded jackfruit or a plant-based chicken substitute.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice. If you want less heat, mix it with some melted butter or use a milder hot sauce. You can also make your own sauce with hot sauce and melted butter for a fresher flavor.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice bite, and blue cheese crumbles give a creamy tang. If you don’t like blue cheese, ranch dressing or cream cheese make great milder alternatives.
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls hold everything together nicely. Hawaiian rolls add a sweet touch if you like some contrast in flavor. Gluten-free buns also work well if needed.
How Do You Get the Buns Perfectly Golden and Flavorful?
Brushing the top buns with a butter mixture before baking is the key step. It creates a shiny, golden crust that’s packed with flavor and keeps the buns soft inside.
- Mix melted butter with garlic and onion powder for an easy, tasty brush-on.
- Use a pastry brush to evenly coat every bun top so they bake beautifully.
- Bake covered first to melt cheese and warm everything through, then uncover for the last few minutes to brown the buns without drying them out.
This simple step makes your sliders look great and adds an extra layer of savory yum!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size to hold all the sliders snugly for even baking.
- Mixing bowl – great for tossing chicken with buffalo sauce and mixing butter with spices.
- Pastry brush – helps you spread butter evenly over the buns for a golden, tasty crust.
- Knife – to slice slider buns in half cleanly and evenly.
- Aluminum foil – to cover the sliders while baking and keep them moist.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use pulled pork instead of chicken for a smoky version that pairs well with buffalo sauce.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a milder or spicier cheese experience.
- Add sliced pickles or shredded lettuce to add crunch and balance the heat.
- Mix ranch dressing into the shredded chicken for a creamier, tangy buffalo flavor.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sliders:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
For The Butter Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or celery slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake, so around 30 minutes altogether. It’s quick and easy, great for a tasty meal or snack in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce. Stir well to coat all the chicken nicely with the spicy sauce.
2. Assemble the Sliders:
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. If your buns come connected, you can slice through them and place them in a baking pan; otherwise, just separate them. Lay the bottom halves in a 9×13-inch baking dish or on a baking sheet. Spread the buffalo chicken evenly over the bottom buns. Then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, followed by crumbled blue cheese.
3. Add the Buns and Butter Topping:
Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese-covered chicken. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder. Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the buns generously with this butter mixture – this will give them a nice golden crust.
4. Bake and Serve:
Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is warm. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes to lightly brown the tops of the buns. Take the sliders out of the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if you like, and serve hot. These go great with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for These Sliders?
Yes! Just make sure your chicken is fully thawed before shredding and mixing with buffalo sauce. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker results.
How Can I Make These Sliders Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder heat, mix the buffalo sauce with some melted butter before tossing with the chicken. You can also use a milder hot sauce or reduce the amount of buffalo sauce altogether.
Can I Prepare Buffalo Chicken Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the sliders up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. When ready, brush with butter and bake as directed. This makes them perfect for parties or meal prep.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a little extra sauce or butter if they seem dry.
